Department of Commerce: Newsroom Itemhttp://www.commerce.gov/feeds/news/fact-sheets/2010/04
The most recent 20 items in this list.enU.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialoguehttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/us-mexico-high-level-economic-dialogue
<p>WASHINGTON – High-level Mexican and U.S. government officials met via videoconference yesterday to review progress made under the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) and to determine next steps in our efforts to make North America the most competitive economic region in the world. The meeting was chaired by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Mexican Finance Minister Luis Videgaray Caso. Participants from the U.S. side included the National Security Council and the Office of the Vice President, as well as the Departments of Commerce, State, Treasury, Homeland Security, Energy, Interior, Transportation, Labor, and Agriculture. Participants from the Mexican side included the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Public Credit, Economy, Communication and Transportation, Energy, and Labor and Social Welfare.</p>
<p>The group reviewed progress in the six HLED priority areas of energy, modern borders, workforce development, regulatory cooperation, stakeholder engagement, and regional and global leadership. These priorities advance our overarching goals of promoting competitiveness and connectivity; fostering economic growth, productivity, entrepreneurship and innovation; and partnering for regional and global leadership. </p>
<p>The group also highlighted the important role of receiving input from the private sector and civil society to ensure the HLED remains strategic and relevant. Officials from both governments maintain dynamic interactions with members of the private sector, business associations and educational institutions, among others, to gather input on HLED initiatives.</p>
<p>Specific accomplishments and examples of ongoing collaboration include:</p>
<p><strong><u>Energy</u></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>A December 2014 Memorandum of Understanding signed by the U.S. and Mexican Secretaries of Energy and the Canadian Minister for Natural Resources created the framework for trilateral consultation and sharing of energy information for the North American region. Protocols for information sharing and a portal for international data sharing have been established. A mapping system, hosted by Mexico, resulted in the creation of a number of infrastructure maps. </li>
<li>Our governments are sharing best practices in energy education, developing vocational/polytechnic energy training programs, examining joint industry certifications, and promoting greater communication among key players in both countries.</li>
<li>The 2012 U.S.-Mexico Transboundary Hydrocarbons Agreement, which addresses the development of oil and gas reservoirs that cross the international maritime boundary between the two countries in the Gulf of Mexico, entered into force in 2014, providing an excellent example of regulatory cooperation between our governments.</li>
<li>Together, we support training and share best practices/lessons learned in support of new technology, including sustainable unconventional oil and gas development and the sharing of U.S. experiences under the Unconventional Gas Technical Engagement Program.</li>
<li>The U.S. Agency for International Development continues its support for the Mexican energy sector by helping to analyze potential sources of renewable energy and foster integration of renewable energy sources into Mexico’s energy matrix.</li>
<li>The Mexico – U.S. Entrepreneurship and Innovation Council is developing exchanges and policy recommendations to increase investment in small and medium-sized enterprises including in Mexico’s burgeoning energy sector.</li>
<li>Mexico and the United States jointly foster energy cooperation in the Caribbean and Central America. The U.S. Department of State and Mexico’s Ministry of Energy assist Central American stakeholders in regional power sector reform and promote increased power trade. A proposal for a natural gas pipeline between Mexico and Guatemala, with potential benefit to other countries in Central America, is in development.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><u>Modern Borders</u></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Three border infrastructure projects will be inaugurated in 2015: the West Rail crossing at Brownsville-Matamoros between Texas and Tamaulipas; the Tornillo-Guadalupe port of entry at the Texas-Chihuahua border; and the San Diego-Tijuana Airport Pedestrian Bridge.</li>
<li>Additional efforts are underway to improve the border crossing experience between our countries, such as piloting a program to measure border wait times and developing practices to decrease wait times at 10 border crossing locations; expanding Trusted Traveler Programs and the Mutual Recognition Arrangement between the U.S. Customs-Trade Program Against Terrorism and Mexico’s corollary program, the <em>Nuevo Esquema de Empresas Certificadas</em>; and implementing our joint cargo pre-inspection program.</li>
<li>U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Mexico’s Tax Administration Service (SAT) are developing a single, shared customs manifest for use in both countries for all transportation modes. The Single Rail Manifest (northbound) is already operating at four of seven railway border crossings (Mexicali, Nogales, Juarez and Matamoros). We expect that the remaining crossing points, as well as the air and sea manifests, will be operational by the end of this year.</li>
<li>In the coming months, CBP and SAT will inaugurate two cargo pre-inspection pilots (at the Laredo International Airport and the Mexican customs export facilities at Mesa de Otay-Baja California) which will reduce wait times and costs in foreign trade transactions. Most of the shipments from companies participating in the pilot program will be inspected only once by both customs authorities in the exporting country. </li>
</ul>
<p><strong><u>Workforce Development</u></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Through the Bilateral Forum on Higher Education, Innovation and Research, more than 30,000 Mexican professors and Mexican students participated in exchange programs in 2014 with U.S. institutions of higher education and innovation centers.</li>
<li>More than 50 cooperative agreements have been signed between universities and institutions of both countries, including with the governments of the U.S. states of California, Arizona and New Jersey. </li>
<li>Increased collaboration between the Mexican National Council of Science and Technology and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), including a March 2015 agreement to expand graduate student exchanges under NSF’s Graduate Research Opportunities Worldwide (GROW) program.</li>
<li>In March 2015, Mexico and the United States signed an agreement to increase cross-border internships. We continue to work with the private sector and universities towards this goal.</li>
<li>The Mexican Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) and the U.S. Department of Labor agreed to implement a program aimed to eliminate gender and sexual orientation-based employment discrimination through a grant to the NGO Heartland Alliance International.</li>
<li>The STPS and the California Governor’s Office collaborated on a pilot program to protect migrant workers in the United States from abuse in the recruitment process. </li>
</ul>
<p><strong><u>Regulatory Cooperation</u></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>On June 30th, the Mexican Secretariat of Agriculture, through the National Health Service, Food Safety and Quality and the United States Department of Agriculture agreed to continue cooperation on the development of compatible electronic certification systems that exchange sanitary and phytosanitary information on plant and animal health between both governments. This arrangement will increase the compliance of imported and exported shipments of agricultural products, as well as enhance food safety and trade.</li>
<li>The U.S. Department of Interior is negotiating a new agreement with Mexico’s Ministry of Energy and National Hydrocarbons Commission as well as updating an existing agreement with Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to facilitate collaboration on regulations for hydrocarbon exploration and extraction in shared reservoirs. This will help develop more specific agreements between the regulatory entities in both countries such as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement in the United States and the CNH and National Agency for Industrial Safety and Environmental Protection of the Hydrocarbons Sector in Mexico.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><u>Regional and Global Leadership</u></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Mexico and the United States are working together to promote development in Central America and the Caribbean, including in strategic areas such as training on borders and customs inspection in Central American countries.</li>
<li>Preparations continue for the Open Government Partnership Global Summit, which Mexico will host in October 2015 to complete their year of leadership on this important multilateral effort to improve government transparency and accountability.</li>
<li>As a part of the 2013-2015 Mexican work plan in the Open Government Partnership, the Mexican Government gathered an interagency working group to ensure the entry into force of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in Mexico. This international initiative consists of a tripartite mechanism in which civil society, industry, and government share and validate information from hydrocarbon and mineral resource industries.</li>
</ul>
<p>For full report, please visit: <a href="http://trade.gov/hled/hled-progress-report.asp">http://trade.gov/hled/hled-progress-report.asp</a></p>
<p>For more information, please visit: <a href="http://www.trade.gov/HLED">www.trade.gov/HLED</a></p>
Thu, 30 Jul 2015 15:59:55 -0400ktyler@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/us-mexico-high-level-economic-dialogueStatement from U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker on the Advance Estimate of GDP in the Second Quarter of 2015http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/statement-us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-advance-estimate-gdp
<p>The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis today <a href="http://bea.gov/newsreleases/national/gdp/gdpnewsrelease.htm" target="_blank">released its first estimate</a> of gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the second quarter of 2015. Real GDP increased 2.3 percent at an annual rate, an increase from a 0.6 percent annual growth rate in the previous quarter. </p>
<p>“Today’s advance estimate of real GDP growth demonstrates that our economy continues to improve,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. “Through our ‘Open for Business Agenda,’ the Department of Commerce is committed to creating the conditions for continued business and job growth by supporting advanced manufacturing, fostering innovation, increasing trade and investment, and equipping our workers with the skills and training needed to succeed in a competitive global economy.”</p>
Thu, 30 Jul 2015 14:05:22 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/statement-us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-advance-estimate-gdpU.S. Deputy Commerce Secretary Bruce Andrews Discusses Department&#039;s Agenda at the White House Economic Development Forumhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/deputy-secretary-speeches/2015/07/us-deputy-commerce-secretary-bruce-andrews-discusses
<div>Today, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce Andrews delivered remarks at the fourth annual White House Economic Development Forum. This forum – hosted by SelectUSA, in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council and the National Economic Council – brought together more than 50 of the country’s leading economic development professionals to discuss America’s long-term economic competitiveness.</div>
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<div>During his remarks, Deputy Secretary Andrews highlighted key investments the Department is making to promote U.S. economic growth. He also stressed the importance of a collaborative relationship between the federal government and communities around the country. He called on these communities to provide feedback to the Commerce Department on the kinds of resources they need to be successful and thrive in the global economy. </div>
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<div><strong><u>Remarks as Prepared for Delivery</u></strong></div>
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<div>Thank you, Vinai, for your kind introduction and for your stellar leadership of SelectUSA. You and your team have done an outstanding job organizing both this event, and this year’s highly successful SelectUSA Investment Summit – which was nearly twice as large as our first summit and attracted business delegations from nearly 80 international markets. The International Economic Development Council and many of the members in the room today played a critical role in the success of that event. I want to thank all of you for your partnership in building strong communities and a vibrant economy.</div>
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<div>All of us are here because we share a common goal: to foster a climate for economic growth and broad-based prosperity in America. We have made great strides towards this goal in recent years. After years of uncertainty, our economy stands on strong footing, outpacing the rest of the world. As representatives from economic development organizations, each of you have seen firsthand how our economy has been moving from recession to recovery to expansion. And you are playing a key role in this comeback – by helping create the conditions for businesses to grow, for workers to thrive, and for struggling communities to get back on their feet. </div>
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<div>While we have made great progress, we know that our country still has a long way to go. Too many families and communities are still waiting to feel the benefits of our growing economy in their day-to-day lives. At the Department of Commerce, we work every day to create a more dynamic economy where prosperity is sustainable and broadly shared. To achieve this, we are making key investments in our competiveness; in our people; in our infrastructure; and in our capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship. Today, I want to discuss some of the ways that our Department is working to support these investments.</div>
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<div>First, we are investing in our competiveness, so that American companies can operate on a level playing field in the global marketplace. As Deputy Secretary, I have had the great privilege to travel around the world to help American businesses. I have seen firsthand how exports helped create jobs and get us out of the recession. Today, more than 11.7 million people will go to work in jobs supported by goods exports – and these jobs pay up to 18 percent higher than jobs not related to exports. Overall, exports contributed more than one-third of our growth between 2009 and 2014.</div>
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<div>To build a future of sustainable growth for our economy, we need to help more American companies reach the 96 percent of customers who live outside the United States. That’s why we need strong trade agreements – like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP – that make it easier for businesses to ship their goods and services across the globe, while upholding our values and expanding market access. And that’s why we are committed to bringing these agreements to life, working with our United States Export Assistance Centers and foreign commercial service officers to help U.S. companies begin exporting or expand sales. We also hope that we will soon secure reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, which provides companies with the financing they need to go toe-to-toe with foreign rivals.</div>
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<div>By creating new trade opportunities, we can do more than help American businesses grow – we can also bring even more international investments to our shores and create incentives for foreign firms to expand their existing investments. The United States is already the number one destination for investment, according to A.T. Kearney’s 2015 survey of global business leaders. New trade agreements will make our country an even more attractive place for foreign companies to invest. This means more jobs and more prosperity for American communities and families. Put simply: now is the time to strike tough, new trade deals that will turn our country’s economic comeback into sustainable growth for the future.</div>
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<div>Second, we are investing in our people to ensure that we are utilizing all of the nation’s great talent. Everyone here understands that the economy is constantly evolving – driven by globalization, advances in technology, ease of transportation, rapid pace of innovation, and increasingly interconnected markets. We must prepare our workers for the changing economy by offering more options for skills training through apprenticeships, community colleges, universities and grad schools, workforce training, and technical education, both online and in the classroom. That’s why our Department has made job-driven skills training and workforce development a top priority for the first time.</div>
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<div>Secretary Pritzker and I meet with business leaders all the time, and we constantly hear about their challenges accessing the talent they need to compete. Through our “Skills for Business” initiative, we are partnering across the federal government to ensure that our training programs meet the needs of industry and prepare workers for the jobs of the 21<sup>st</sup>century. At the same time, federal training investments amount to a tiny fraction of the $450 billion dollars that private companies invest in training their workforce each year in the United States – which is why we must partner with educational institutions, businesses, economic development organizations, and local and foreign governments to improve our workforce efforts.</div>
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<div>For example, we recently launched the “Communities that Work Partnership” with the Aspen Institute to break down silos by looking at the experiences of seven communities where cross-sector collaboration is already happening. In addition to providing technical assistance to each partnership and convening the selected communities to learn from one another, this initiative will look at how they implemented their best practices, so that these methods can be applied and shared across our country. We hope to find more ways in the future for collaboration to meet our economy’s workforce needs.</div>
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<div>Third, we are investing in infrastructure, so that our products and ideas move at the speed required in the 21<sup>st</sup> century. Our infrastructure – whether we’re talking about highways, bridges, and airports, or reliable access to the internet – is the backbone of our economy. It enables our people to access opportunity, to connect with one another, and to move their goods and services. Yet, despite how important infrastructure is to our country’s global competiveness, we continue to under-invest in this foundation of our economic success. As a result, year after year, our infrastructure falls into further disrepair.</div>
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<div>Consider this: Congress is currently considering another short-term extension of the highway trust fund – for the 34th time since 2009. How can communities plan for the future when they don’t know how their roads will be funded three months from now, let alone three years from now? We need stable, predictable funding for our infrastructure, so that governors and mayors can make the investments needed to build stronger communities.</div>
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<div>At the same time, we know that our students, businesses, and families need a reliable digital infrastructure to keep up with unprecedented increases in innovation around the world. The digital economy is booming, creating new jobs and opportunities we couldn’t have imagined even a decade ago. To support this growing segment of the global economy, through our National Telecommunications and Information Administration, we have expanded internet access to underserved rural and urban areas by helping fund more than 113,000 miles of new or upgraded broadband. But more than one in five U.S. homes still has no access to high-speed internet, which places families, children, and communities at a disadvantage. At a time when technological innovation and economic growth go hand-in-hand, this is unacceptable. We must work together to build a strong, innovative foundation that moves at the speed of the 21<sup>st</sup> century.</div>
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<div>This brings us to our Department’s investments in innovation and entrepreneurship. While most people think of places like Silicon Valley and New York as hubs of innovation, the reality is that great ideas exist in every corner of our country. We want to make it easier and more efficient for any American – wherever they are – to build and grow their own company. And we believe that the federal government has the responsibility to help make sure entrepreneurs and innovators have what they need to turn a great idea into a great business. That’s why the Department of Commerce is putting more tools in the hands of entrepreneurs and American businesses than ever before. We are constantly modifying our set of tools to adapt to the speed of business, and providing resources at each step of the business lifecycle.</div>
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<div>One of the ways we do this is through our new Startup Global program, which encourages early-stage companies to consider exporting their products. Experts from across our Department provide the technical assistance and know-how needed by companies to export their goods and services. From the minute a groundbreaking idea gets sketched on the back of cocktail napkin, to when a company goes public, our Department is there to help that business succeed – because we know that innovation and discovery have driven economic growth in the United States since its founding.</div>
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<div>As we continue to make investments in these key areas – in our competiveness, our people, our infrastructure, and our innovative ideas – we need to hear from you. Your organizations are working hard every day to build resilient regional economies – and we need you to keep us updated on what your communities need to thrive in a changing global marketplace. Working together with all of you, I am confident we can spur investment and development in our communities, expand the national and global footprint of our businesses, and cultivate opportunity and prosperity for our families and workers. Thank you.</div>
Thu, 30 Jul 2015 12:28:54 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/deputy-secretary-speeches/2015/07/us-deputy-commerce-secretary-bruce-andrews-discussesStatement by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker on New Manufacturing Institute in New Yorkhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/statement-us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-new-manufacturing
<div>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today issued a statement following Vice President Biden’s <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/07/27/fact-sheet-vice-president-biden-announces-new-integrated-photonics" target="_blank">announcement of the creation</a> of a new National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) institute.</div>
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<div>“As part of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI), the new Manufacturing Innovation Institute for Integrated Photonics in Rochester, New York will help keep America on the front-lines of discovery and ensure our manufacturers, businesses, and economy are globally competitive in the 21st century economy. NNMI institutes are designed to foster pre-competitive collaboration among manufacturers, non-profits and academics in cutting-edge technologies, and the Commerce Department plays a major role by leading this network of institutes. With a total investment of over $610 million –$110 million in federal funds, and more than $500 million in non-federal contributions – today’s announcement marks the largest public-private commitment to date for a manufacturing institute launched in the United States. The Commerce Department will continue supporting American innovation that boosts our economy and creates new growth industries and jobs.”</div>
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<div>The Department of Defense is awarding the new Manufacturing Innovation Institute for Integrated Photonics to a consortium of 124 companies, nonprofits, and universities led by the Research Foundation for SUNY. The emerging technologies supported by this investment have the potential to transform many industries—from creating “needleless” tests for medical conditions like diabetes, to increasing the carrying capacity of broadband communications ten times over.</div>
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<div>This institute is the sixth such public-private partnership to boost advanced manufacturing, foster American innovation, and attract and create jobs that strengthen the middle class, and this hub will build on the important progress that the Obama Administration is making. After a decade of decline in the 2000s, when 40 percent of all large factories closed their doors, American manufacturing is adding jobs at its fastest rate in decades, with nearly 900,000 new manufacturing jobs created since February 2010. Manufacturing production is up by almost a third since the recession and the number of factories across the United States is growing for the first time since the 1990s.</div>
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<div>A strong manufacturing sector is critical to our intellectual and innovative capacity, and collaborative research between America’s leading manufacturers is essential to keeping our high-tech industries right here in the United States.</div>
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<div>The Department of Commerce is committed to the President’s vision of creating a full national network of up to 45 manufacturing institutes over the next 10 years, which will require Congress to pass legislation. An American network of innovation institutes would play a vital role in enhancing U.S. industrial competitiveness by supporting development of technologies that will enable U.S. manufacturers to develop the cutting-edge tools needed to compete in the global marketplace. Support for this network of industry-driven commercialization hubs will help strengthen U.S. innovation and competitiveness, two key priorities of the Commerce Department’s “<a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/fact-sheets/2013/11/14/fact-sheet-us-department-commerce-open-business-agenda" target="_blank">Open for Business Agenda</a>.” </div>
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<div>Read more about the Vice President’s NNMI announcement <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/07/27/fact-sheet-vice-president-biden-announces-new-integrated-photonics" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Mon, 27 Jul 2015 17:41:31 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/statement-us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-new-manufacturingOp-Ed: American Businesses Need the Export-Import Bankhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/opinion-editorials/2015/07/op-ed-american-businesses-need-export-import-bank
<p><em>By U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and Export-Import Bank CEO Fred P.Hochberg</em></p>
<p>When President Obama recently signed Trade Promotion Authority and Trade Adjustment Assistance into law, it marked a victory for bipartisanship, for common sense, and, most importantly, for American businesses and our workers. By continuing to engage with trading partners throughout the world, we are ensuring that the U.S. does not cede ground in the race for economic and job growth — and we are safeguarding American leadership when it comes to writing the rules of the road for the global economy.</p>
<p>With 96 percent of the world's consumers living beyond our borders, it is critical that we break down every barrier we can for American businesses to better compete in global markets. Trade Promotion Authority and the trade agreements currently being negotiated are a major part of that effort. But for America to lead — and for American workers to fully realize the benefits of trade, including more jobs and higher wages — we cannot afford to make unforced errors on the global stage.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, just days removed from a major bipartisan step forward, we took a big step back. Authorization of the Export-Import Bank, a small government agency that exists solely to empower U.S. businesses to succeed in global markets and win jobs for American workers, was allowed to lapse on June 30 at midnight.</p>
<p>Not many people know about Ex-Im, but for thousands of American businesses, the bank has been a critical tool. Last year, Ex-Im's financing, which includes products like insurance and guarantees of commercial loans, supported 164,000 U.S. jobs. At the same time, due to fees and interest paid by customers, Es-Im generated $675 million for taxpayers above and beyond all expenses. That's right: in addition to spurring private sector job growth, Ex-Im actually reduces the federal deficit.</p>
<p>While private-sector financing is "Plan A" for many U.S. businesses seeking to grow their customer base through exports, commercial banks can't take on every responsible transaction that would lead to new American jobs. That's especially true for small businesses, for complex transactions, and for sales to developing markets. For those exports, Ex-Im is "Plan B." In 2014, nearly 90 percent of Ex-Im's transactions — more than 3,340 — directly supported American small businesses. That does not include the vast number of small businesses that are also benefiting indirectly as suppliers to Ex-Im's larger customers.</p>
<p>For entrepreneurs in all 50 states, Ex-Im is a lifeline that allows them to confidently do business in global markets. One of those entrepreneurs is Kusum Kavia.</p>
<p>Kusum is a Kenyan immigrant who started Combustion Associates in Riverside County, California, about 25 years ago. Her small business manufactures energy-efficient electric power systems. They developed a stable of quality products — but they couldn't secure the financing needed to serve their customers in high-demand markets such as West Africa.</p>
<p>In 2009, Kusum discovered Ex-Im, and Combustion Associates has flourished ever since. Exports now account for about 80 percent of the company's sales, and as a result they've been able to hire about 50 more employees to take on good-paying jobs in California.</p>
<p>Kusum was poised to finalize two major deals with Nigerian power companies over the next two weeks — a $50 million sale and a $98 million sale. But without Ex-Im to finance those exports, Kusum believes that the deals will now be lost to an Asian competitor armed with competitive financing.</p>
<p>The reality is, when Ex-Im lapsed and this important "Plan B" was taken away, "Plan C" took over: China. The $148 million in deals that Combustion will lose would have created even more quality jobs here in America; now they will likely be forfeited overseas, all because Kusum has been stripped of the opportunity to compete on a level playing field. This represents unilateral economic disarmament and makes little sense.</p>
<p>Today, China is home to several of the 85 agencies around the world that are fighting for sales and export-backed jobs for their countries – just like Ex-Im. America's rivals almost always bring competitive government financing to the table when pursuing global deals. If needed, when U.S. businesses are allowed to do the same, they have the chance to compete on free market factors such as price, quality, and value. When they can't, the merits of their goods and services are often drowned out by the financing frequently provided by other countries.</p>
<p>After 81 years without controversy and the support of the last 13 U.S. presidents, demonstrated bipartisan majorities in both the House and the Senate, and a proven record of service to American companies, it is hard to believe Ex-Im authorization has been permitted to lapse. But that's exactly what has happened, all because a vocal minority in Washington has put ideology ahead of American workers and businesses.</p>
<p>Our exporting businesses, and the families who rely on them for the security of a dependable paycheck, deserve better. They deserve a government that breaks down barriers and provides the critical tools necessary to grow their businesses, bolster American economic leadership, and add new jobs here at home.</p>
<p><em>Commentary by Penny Pritzker, U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Fred P. Hochberg, president and CEO of the Export-Import Bank. Follow them on Twitter @PennyPritzker and @FredHochberg.</em></p>
Mon, 27 Jul 2015 11:22:21 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/opinion-editorials/2015/07/op-ed-american-businesses-need-export-import-bankU.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker to Attend Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Kenyahttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-attend-global-entrepreneurship
<div>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker will attend the <a href="http://www.ges2015.org/" target="_blank">Global Entrepreneurship Summit</a> (GES), which will take place July 25-26, 2015 in Nairobi, Kenya. As the Administration’s point person on entrepreneurship, Secretary Pritzker will help lead a U.S. delegation to the Summit, demonstrating the U.S. government’s continued commitment to fostering a culture of innovation around the world. This year’s summit marks the sixth annual gathering of thousands of global entrepreneurs at all stages of business development, business leaders, mentors, and high-level government officials. </div>
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<div>Entrepreneurship is key to unlocking economic growth, creating jobs, and generating long-term peace and prosperity, and the U.S. government leads numerous initiatives to bolster entrepreneurship in America and around the world. At GES 2013 in Malaysia, President Obama asked Secretary Pritzker to chair the <a href="//www.commerce.gov/page" target="_blank">Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) initiative</a>, and she convened the first-ever meeting of that group in April 2014. Due to the success and demand for the program, the White House <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/05/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-celebrates-white-house-expansion" target="_blank">announced the addition</a> of nine new members this May.</div>
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<div>PAGE is a group of America’s most respected business creators who have committed to sharing their time, energy, ideas, and experience to help develop the next generation of entrepreneurs around the world. Since the program’s launch, Secretary Pritzker has arranged PAGE events in countries ranging from Saudi Arabia to South Korea, and in numerous U.S. cities.</div>
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<div>The following PAGE members will join Secretary Pritzker in Kenya to serve as entrepreneurship ambassadors and to share their knowledge and experience to help develop the next generation of entrepreneurs:</div>
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<div>• Steve Case, Chairman and CEO, Revolution, LLC</div>
<div>• Brian Chesky, Co-Founder and CEO, Airbnb</div>
<div>• Julie Hanna, Executive Chair of the Board, Kiva</div>
<div>• Daymond John, Founder, FUBU and CEO, Shark Branding</div>
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Mon, 20 Jul 2015 15:15:58 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-attend-global-entrepreneurshipJoint Statement by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk on First-Ever U.S.-Ukraine Business Forumhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/joint-statement-us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-and-ukrainian-prime
<div>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk issued the following statement regarding the outcomes of the first-ever U.S.-Ukraine Business Forum. Co-hosted by the Department of Commerce and U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the forum gathered high-level government and business leaders from both countries to discuss Ukraine’s economic reform agenda and opportunities to improve trade and investment between our two countries.</div>
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<div>“It was with great satisfaction that we joined more than 150 senior Ukrainian and American business and government executives, including U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Ukrainian Ministers of Agriculture, Economic Development and Trade, Finance and Infrastructure at the U.S.-Ukraine Business Forum in Washington D.C on July 13th. During the event, we joined productive discussions on Ukraine’s economic reform efforts and pledged to work collaboratively to create opportunities for bilateral trade and investment that will ensure a democratic and prosperous Ukraine.</div>
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<div>While the Government of Ukraine continues to face Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine and Russian occupation of Crimea, it has already undertaken key reforms to enhance competition, reduce corruption and strengthen the rule of law. At the Forum, leading business participants welcomed the ambitious scale and pace of these reforms and offered additional concrete recommendations to further improve Ukraine’s business climate. They also emphasized the constructive role the U.S. and Ukrainian business communities can play in supporting Ukraine’s integration with the European and global economy.</div>
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<div>As part of our mutual goal to grow economic ties, and as a follow-up to the Forum, the U.S. and Ukraine pledge to build support for and execute priority reforms to promote business competition and entrepreneurship based on the rule of law; expand the scope of dialogues between government and business focused on increasing growth in the agribusiness, energy, pharmaceutical and other key sectors; and continue to strengthen bilateral diplomacy in support of these objectives, including a planned visit by Secretary Pritzker to Kyiv in October 2015. </div>
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<div>The Government of Ukraine commits to taking concrete and meaningful steps towards the full implementation of gas sector reform; strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights to reflect Ukraine’s commitment to its artistic and innovative sectors; and accelerating efforts to accede to the WTO’s Government Procurement Agreement. During Secretary Pritzker’s October visit, she intends to highlight Ukraine’s success in implementing these reforms. Over the next twelve months, the Government of Ukraine also committed to develop and adopt an updated and modern tax code that ensures business growth and make concrete progress on the fair and transparent privatization process of state-owned enterprises. </div>
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<div>The Department of Commerce is committed to working with the Government of Ukraine to ensure that the U.S. business community is fully informed of the above reform steps through an ongoing series of webinars, seminars, and fora with leading U.S. executives. </div>
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<div>The U.S.-Ukraine Business Forum, organized by our governments and by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, showcased the vital interest the U.S. government and business community have in supporting Ukraine’s success. All participants agreed that Ukraine is open for business and committed to transforming and modernizing its economy.” </div>
Thu, 16 Jul 2015 18:31:01 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/joint-statement-us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-and-ukrainian-primeU.S. Department of Commerce, Aspen Institute Announce Seven Regional Site Teams Selected for &#039;Communities that Work Partnership&#039;http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/us-department-commerce-aspen-institute-announce-seven-regional-site
<p>The U.S. Department of Commerce and the Workforce Strategies Initiative at the Aspen Institute today announced the selection of seven regional site teams, comprised of leaders in industry, government, education, and workforce and economic development, to participate in the <strong>Communities that Work Partnership</strong>.</p>
<p>The Communities that Work Partnership (CTW Partnership) is an effort to strengthen regional economies by equipping American workers with the skills needed for 21st century jobs and accelerating industry-led workforce development and training efforts. </p>
<p>The seven regional site teams, or regional partnerships, will begin a 15-month intensive accelerated learning exchange designed around each region’s pursuit of job-driven talent development strategies to promote economic growth. AspenWSI and FutureWorks Consulting, will facilitate the in-person and virtual learning exchanges and provide customized technical assistance by engaging national experts in economic, workforce, and talent development. The effort is being funded through a $500,000 grant, which was awarded by the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the first time.</p>
<p>“The Obama Administration has taken unprecedented steps to bring together businesses, educational institutions, workforce and economic development organizations, local governments, as well as non-profits to prepare workers for in-demand jobs,” said Secretary Pritzker. “As part of the Department of Commerce’s ‘Skills for Business’ initiative, our partnership with Aspen will support worker training that meets businesses’ and workers’ needs and keeps America competitive.”</p>
<p>The seven regional site teams selected to participate in the Communities that Work Partnership, by Lead Agency, are: </p>
<ul>
<li>Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Technology Council, Cox Communications, Western Alliance Bank (Greater Phoenix area)</li>
<li>Bay Area Video Coalition, City and County of San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development, CBS Corporation, Work2Future/Silicon Valley/San Jose Workforce Investment Board (San Francisco area)</li>
<li>Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Erie County Executive Office, National Grid (Buffalo-Niagara Falls area)</li>
<li>Greater Houston Partnership, San Jacinto College, United Way of Greater Houston, Gulf Coast Workforce Solutions (Greater Houston area)</li>
<li>Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Greater Washington Board of Trade, Prince George’s County Department of the Environment, Anacostia River Initiative/Federal City Council Anacostia Waterfront Trust (Greater Washington, DC area)</li>
<li>National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Employment Law Project, Hand in Hand (New York City)</li>
<li>Northwest Georgia Regional Workforce Partnership, J+J Flooring Group, Technical College System of Georgia, Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce (Northwest Georgia)</li>
</ul>
<p>The CTW Partnership will culminate in a number of publications outlining systems-change progress and lessons learned among the seven regional site teams, which will be disseminated nationally in the fall of 2016. They will describe how networks of local leaders can work in new ways across traditional silos to build more effective regional workforce initiatives, and begin to influence and guide similar strategies in other communities across America.</p>
<p>The CTW Partnership was launched in April 2015 at an event at the Aspen Institute that featured Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Aspen Institute President and CEO Walter Isaacson in a dialogue over the need to learn from successful regional job-driven workforce development efforts to inform practices in other communities around the United States.</p>
<p><strong>Further Online Information</strong></p>
<p>More information about the Communities that Work Partnership may be found at AspenWSI’s website. Visit: <a href="http://www.aspenwsi.org/communities-that-work/overview/">http://www.aspenwsi.org/communities-that-work/overview/</a>.</p>
<p>The Communities that Work Partnership is made possible by the generous support of the Economic Development Administration of the US Department of Commerce and by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.</p>
<p><strong>The US Economic Development Administration (<a href="http://www.eda.gov">www.eda.gov</a>)</strong></p>
<p>The mission of the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the US Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for US workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.</p>
<p>The <strong>Workforce Strategies Initiative</strong> (<strong>AspenWSI</strong>) is one of three ongoing initiatives in the Economic Opportunities Program (EOP) at the Aspen Institute, along with Skills for America’s Future and FIELD. AspenWSI works to identify, evaluate, and promote promising and successful practices and policies that improve access to quality training and employment for low-income adults.</p>
<p><strong>The Aspen Institute</strong> is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. The Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, Colorado; and on the Wye River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It also has offices in New York City and an international network of partners. For more information, visit <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=&amp;msgid=0&amp;act=11111&amp;c=337460&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspeninstitute.org">www.aspeninstitute.org</a>.</p>
Wed, 15 Jul 2015 13:59:13 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/us-department-commerce-aspen-institute-announce-seven-regional-siteInternational Visitors Spent More than $18 Billion in May 2015http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/international-visitors-spent-more-18-billion-may-2015
<p>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced that international visitors spent more than $18 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States in May. International travelers have added $93 billion to the U.S. economy so far this year, and this increase in spending has supported more than one million jobs throughout the United States. </p>
<p>“The travel and tourism sector continues to contribute to the strength of America's economy," said Secretary Pritzker. "International visitors spent more than $18 billion in May, and have added $93 billion to our economy this year. The Obama Administration is committed to improving the visitor experience across our country to ensure the United States remains the world's most attractive travel destination."</p>
<ul>
<li><em>Travel Receipts</em>: Purchases of travel and tourism-related goods and services by international visitors traveling in the United States totaled $11.6 billion during May. These goods and services include food, lodging, recreation, gifts, entertainment, local transportation in the United States, and other items incidental to foreign travel. Travel receipts accounted for slightly more than 62 percent of total U.S. travel and tourism exports during May 2015.</li>
<li><em>Passenger Fare Receipts</em>: Fares received by U.S. carriers from international visitors totaled $3.3 billion for the month, a slight decrease when compared to May 2014. Passenger fare receipts accounted for nearly 18 percent of total U.S. travel and tourism exports during May.</li>
<li><em>Medical/Education/Short-Term </em><em>Worker</em>: Expenditures for educational and health-related tourism, along with all expenditures by border, seasonal, and other short-term workers, totaled $3.8 billion in May, an increase of 10 percent when compared to the same period last year. Medical tourism, education, and short-term worker receipts accounted for 20 percent of total U.S. travel and tourism exports during May 2015.</li>
</ul>
<p>Year-to-date international visitor spending is up 1 percent, totaling $93.5 billion for the first five months of 2015. Conversely, U.S. resident spending abroad is up more than 6 percent during the same period, totaling $63.0 billion on travel and tourism-related goods and services, resulting in a $30.4 billion trade surplus for travel and tourism through May 2015.</p>
Wed, 15 Jul 2015 10:58:08 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/international-visitors-spent-more-18-billion-may-2015U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker Delivers Remarks at National Council of La Raza Annual Conferencehttp://www.commerce.gov/news/secretary-speeches/2015/07/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-delivers-remarks-national
<p>Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks at the National Council of La Raza’s Annual Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Secretary Pritzker addressed leaders of the Latino community about her vision for spurring economic opportunity, growth, and competitiveness for the U.S. economy and for all Americans, and she highlighted the vital role played by Hispanic Americans in advancing prosperity across the country.</p>
<p>During her remarks, Secretary Pritzker outlined a path forward for America’s economic leadership, focused on key investments in people, innovation, and infrastructure.</p>
<p>In the fast-changing, global economy of the 21<sup>st</sup> century, the Secretary discussed the need to better prepare a highly-skilled, technology-driven workforce that matches the needs of businesses today and keeps the United States on the leading edge of competitiveness worldwide. She also addressed the urgent economic necessity and moral obligation of enacting comprehensive immigration reform; the importance of supporting the next generation of successful innovators and entrepreneurs; and the immediate priority of improving both our physical and digital infrastructure. </p>
<p align="center"><strong><em>Remarks as Prepared for Delivery</em></strong></p>
<p>Thank you, Kris, for your introduction. And thank you, Janet, for your leadership of NCLR and for your persistent advocacy on behalf of the entire Latino community in the United States. Janet: you have been a true partner to the President and to our Administration, and I hope you continue to make your voice heard loud and clear on issues of economic opportunity, civil rights, and equality, all of which are vital to the future of our nation. I also want to thank all of NCLR for the chance to speak at your conference.</p>
<p>As Latino leaders, you are American leaders. You represent the interests and ideals of not only Hispanic Americans, but all Americans. You represent the aspirations of every community to advance and benefit from economic opportunity and growth. I am here today to address what we – as leaders, as partners, and as peers – need to do to ensure our country remains on the leading edge of competitiveness in the rapidly-changing economy of the 21st century.</p>
<p>As Secretary of Commerce, my job is to focus on how to create the conditions for economic growth for all American businesses, workers, and families – whether by investing in economic development, promoting U.S. exports abroad, or laying down broadband to connect our neighborhoods to one another and the world. You know better than anyone that the Latino community is an essential part of the fabric of our nation’s economic dynamism. Hispanic Americans have played a vital role in growing the economy for more than a century. Today and in the years to come, your success will remain inextricably tied to the success of our country, but only if we make the right investments and form a strong foundation for long-term prosperity.</p>
<p>As a business person myself, I always look at what the data tells me, and the numbers clearly demonstrate the vital importance of the Latino community to our economic strength. Hispanics comprise 17 percent of our country’s population, fueling half our nation’s growth over the last decade. Latino consumers control nearly $1.5 trillion in purchasing power – up 50 percent since 2010. And that is only going to rise as Latino households earn higher incomes and Latino entrepreneurs start an increasing share of our new businesses. One in five kids in kindergarten today is Hispanic – and the better we educate these students, the better prepared they will be as workers, entrepreneurs, and innovators in a fast-paced global marketplace. Put simply: our businesses and our markets are increasingly shaped by the ideas and contributions of Latinos. To achieve our shared hopes for prosperity and competitiveness, Hispanic Americans must continue to play a central role in driving our economic progress and success.</p>
<p>From day one, President Obama and our Administration have been laser-focused on extending economic opportunity to all Americans. We have advanced policies that ensure our nation achieves rapid, sustained, and broad-based economic growth, from pushing to raise the minimum wage, to expanding overtime pay, to putting affordable, quality health care within reach of every American. As a result of these policies and others, our economy has moved from recession to recovery. Our businesses went from hemorrhaging jobs to the longest stretch of private sector job growth in history. Our workers saw the unemployment rate fall from double-digits to its lowest level in 7 years, with the jobless rate for Latinos dropping from over 10 percent to nearly 6 percent since the President took office. Our families have watched their home values slowly increase once again, while consumer confidence is on the rise.</p>
<p>Yet even with these steps forward, challenges persist. Our economy is growing, but too many households have yet to see the impact in their own lives. Real wages are rising, but too many workers have yet to feel it in their own paychecks. Private sector profits are up, but many companies still confront uncertainty in markets at home and abroad.</p>
<p>Working together, we have made progress. But we have to acknowledge that globalization, advances in technology, and ease of transportation have changed the conditions for economic growth. These factors have fundamentally altered the tools we need to ensure that our nation remains on the cutting edge of competitiveness.</p>
<p>Given these facts on the ground, the question for all of us is: what is our path forward? How do we ensure that we enjoy a dynamic economy that will strengthen middle class families and support those trying to reach the middle class? How do we ensure that we enjoy an economy where prosperity is sustainable and broadly shared? How do we ensure that we enjoy an economy that will spur growth across all communities?</p>
<p>America’s prosperity and global competitiveness depends on our ability to make key investments: investments in our people, so we utilize 100 percent of our talent; investments in innovation and creativity, so we remain on the cutting edge; and investments in our infrastructure, so we can move our products and ideas at the speed required in the 21st century.</p>
<p>For all Americans to thrive and succeed, we must invest in our greatest resource: our people. Winning the war for talent is imperative if our country is to out-compete and continue to lead the rest of the world. With today’s rapid pace of innovation and the interconnectedness of markets, there are many paths to a steady career. Traditional professions like law, medicine, education, or finance are well-known paths. But today, industries or sectors of our economy that barely existed a decade or two ago, such as data analytics, cybersecurity, clean energy, 3-D printing, or the sharing economy, have equal or greater potential. And with only a mobile phone in our pocket and access to broadband, any of us can start a business and seek out customers worldwide.</p>
<p>Each of these paths has the potential to lead to greater economic security. But to take advantage of this potential, we must arm our workers and entrepreneurs with the skills to compete. We must provide the opportunity for our workforce to adapt to the fast pace of change brought on by automation, evolving technologies, and new applications, which may displace significant numbers of both blue- and white-collar workers. Recognizing this reality, our path forward must offer Americans a more diverse menu of options for skills development. Whether through apprenticeships, community colleges, universities, graduate schools, or technical education, workforce training – both online and in the classroom – must prepare workers for the fast-changing markets of the 21st century.</p>
<p>To meet this task, for the first time, the Commerce Department has made skills and workforce training a priority. Through our “Skills for Business” initiative, we are working closely with Labor Secretary Tom Perez, non-profits, and the private sector to assure that our worker training programs are better aligned with the jobs in our communities. We can no longer afford to train our people for jobs that are disappearing, and we should not educate our students for the opportunities of past generations. It is imperative that we are prepared for jobs that exist today and will exist in the future.</p>
<p>I know that NCLR recognizes the urgency of this challenge as well. Your Career Pathways Initiative has partnered with community organizations and businesses such as Wal-Mart and UPS to train Latinos for high-wage, high-demand jobs. Thus far, NCLR has implemented its program in a diverse set of industries, including health care, customer service, retail, green jobs, construction, and transportation. You are ensuring that the next generation of Latino workers is prepared to compete and thrive.</p>
<p>To succeed in the global economy, our path forward must ensure that America continues to be a place where anyone can contribute their ideas and abilities to our prosperity. The United States has been built, strengthened, and sustained by generation after generation of immigrants. This remains true today. Advancing permanent, comprehensive immigration reform is not just a moral obligation; it is a matter of economic necessity. If we do not welcome the best and brightest to our shores, if we do not attract the top minds, workers, and innovators to our communities: put simply, we will be left behind. If we want the 21st century to be another American century, we must ensure that the men and women who move here, who study here, who bring their skills here, and who start businesses and families here, stay here.</p>
<p>There are as many as 2 million DREAMers in this country, who are American in every way, except on paper. Every time I meet a DREAMer, I come away moved by their stories, inspired by their potential, and more committed than ever to their cause. They want the chance to change the course of their lives and participate in our economy. They want to be a part of America’s success in the years to come. Yet they too often sit in limbo. The Administration’s 2012 deferred action policy – or DACA – is giving more than 650,000 DREAMers the chance to more fully contribute. But it is only a temporary solution that does not offer a path to the full rights and responsibilities as U.S. citizens. To be frank, we are shooting ourselves in the foot by not allowing all DREAMers to achieve their full potential.</p>
<p>There are also 1.1 million foreign students now studying in the United States, an 85 percent increase in just the last decade. And these potential immigrants make up over 40 percent of Master’s and PhD students in the STEM fields – expertise we desperately need more of in this country. Yet once we train these students, more often than not, we tell them to leave. This makes no sense.</p>
<p>One recent study found that almost half of Fortune 500 companies – including Google, Yahoo, and Home Depot – were founded by immigrants or their children. The founder of the next big thing could be a DREAMer sitting in a local classroom, unable to apply or pay for college; or it could be an international student in one of our great universities, ready to start a company with a visa set to expire next week. This approach is not consistent with our history or our values. We must change course. For the sake of who we are as a country, for the sake of our economic growth and competitiveness, the time for deferrals and delays is over. The time is now to enact comprehensive immigration reform.</p>
<p>Our path forward builds upon one of the cornerstones of our economic dynamism: our innovators and entrepreneurs. Since the founding of our nation, people have applied their ingenuity to develop great ideas into great businesses right here in the United States. The Latino community is significant to that tradition. The number of Latino entrepreneurs has tripled in the last two decades, and Hispanic Americans have opened twice as many businesses as the national average in the last ten years. Given this extraordinary growth among Hispanic Americans, sitting in the audience today could be the next Nina Vaca, an immigrant from Ecuador who became the CEO of the fastest-growing woman-led business in America; or the next Antonio Gracias who founded a leading private equity firm in Chicago.</p>
<p>Both Nina and Antonio are Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship. They volunteer their time to travel around the world to mentor, inspire, and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.</p>
<p>It is innovators like these who drive our prosperity. But our economy will only continue to expand if our entrepreneurs can bring their ideas from lab to market, can access needed capital, and can sell their products in markets around the world. We know that when we set the conditions that allow all Americans to pursue their best ideas, these Americans create leading firms; these Americans enhance our competitiveness; these Americans strengthen our economy; and these Americans create jobs here at home.</p>
<p>Take Victor Quinones, for example. Victor is a native of Reynosa, Mexico, who started Concord Supply, based in San Antonio. The firm primarily manufactures materials that package and protect steel during the shipping process. All of Concord’s products are not only Victor’s own inventions, but are protected by six patents. A few years ago, Victor invented an entirely different material – one that soaks up oil, but not water – and saw the potential to sell it to customers abroad. He reached out to the Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency’s center in San Antonio, which connected Concord with partners and investors in Mexico. The company ultimately received a $50 million contract to deploy Victor’s technology and protect Mexican waters in the event of an oil spill. The contract represents a 50 percent increase in revenue and supports more than 100 jobs at Concord Supply.</p>
<p>Victor is an innovator who took his inventions and turned them into a successful company; he is an exporter who wants free trade agreements that open global markets to his goods; and he is a successful business leader who has created jobs. Victor’s story exemplifies how the continued expansion of our economy depends on extending the reach and strength of Hispanic Americans. Our nation will only be stronger if we give business owners like Victor, Nina, and Antonio the opportunity to act on their ideas and pursue their dreams.</p>
<p> Our path forward must also ensure our people and ideas can move at the rapid pace of today’s economy. Our economy depends on functioning highways, bridges, rail lines, ports and airports, which allow workers to get to their jobs and businesses to get their goods to markets at home and abroad. But we have been under-investing in these key components of our economic foundation; as a result, 65 percent of our roads are considered to be in poor condition. In May, Congress passed a short-term extension of the highway trust fund – for the 33rd time. Just think about that: we are the United States of America, and we are funding our infrastructure in 3-month increments. That is not the way to sustain our global economic leadership. We need stable, secure, predictable funding for essential projects, so that our governors and our mayors can make the investments needed to enhance our global competitiveness and support millions of good-paying jobs.</p>
<p>At the same time, we live in an age when technological innovation and economic growth go hand-in-hand. To thrive, our country must have the digital infrastructure necessary to keep our students, businesses, and families a step ahead. This Administration has invested in more than 113,000 miles of new or upgraded broadband, targeting our efforts to expand internet access to underserved rural and urban areas. But over 20 percent of U.S. homes still have no access to high-speed internet, which places families, children, communities – and our entire country – at a disadvantage. Working together, we must ensure that our nation’s path forward is built on a strong, innovative foundation designed to move at the speed of the 21stcentury.</p>
<p>Investments in people, investments in innovation and entrepreneurs, investments in places: these are among the key steps that will define our path forward to a more competitive, growing economy. For America to achieve this vision, the Administration, NCLR, Hispanic Americans, the public and private sectors – all of us must work as partners, as peers, and as fellow leaders. Our collective success depends on affording every American in every community the ability to contribute to our prosperity; to get an education and find a good job; to realize their full potential; and to build ladders of opportunity for future generations.</p>
<p>Throughout our history, when we have met this task, our people have emerged stronger. That was certainly the case in my own family. My great-grandfather, Nicholas, and his parents emigrated from Kyiv in 1881, fleeing their home out of fear for their safety – and in search of opportunity. They found a new home in Chicago, where Nicholas taught himself English by reading the newspapers he sold on city streets. He would eventually put himself through college and law school, start his own firm, and build up the foundation for our family’s success. Nicholas started with nothing, but he was blessed to come to a country that allowed him to start businesses and enabled our family to fulfill our highest aspirations – to live the American dream.</p>
<p>I firmly believe that all Americans deserve the opportunity to realize their own dreams. I stand ready to be your partner in empowering Hispanic Americans and all of our people to write their own stories of economic possibility. I stand prepared to work with NCLR and with all of you to secure a future of competitiveness, growth, and prosperity for our nation. Thank you, NCLR, for your advocacy and your leadership on behalf of the Latino community and our country.</p>
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Wed, 15 Jul 2015 10:52:43 -0400mkruger@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/secretary-speeches/2015/07/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-delivers-remarks-nationalU.S. Deputy Commerce Secretary Bruce Andrews Delivers Remarks on Outcomes of First-Ever U.S.-Ukraine Business Forumhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/deputy-secretary-speeches/2015/07/us-deputy-commerce-secretary-bruce-andrews-delivers-remarks
<div>Earlier this week, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce Andrews delivered remarks at the closing of the first-ever U.S.-Ukraine Business Forum. At the event, Secretary Penny Pritzker, Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Deputy Secretary Andrews, and other government officials met with U.S. business leaders to discuss the future of the economic partnership between the United States and Ukraine.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>During his remarks, Deputy Secretary Andrews applauded Ukraine’s pro-business reforms over the past year and highlighted the outcomes of the day’s discussions. He noted that business leaders repeatedly emphasized the importance of a more transparent and efficient Ukrainian government. Deputy Secretary Andrews pointed to prominent sectors that could benefit from increased transparency, including agribusiness, energy, and intellectual property.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Following the day’s events, Deputy Secretary Andrews stressed the importance of sustained conversations between the U.S. and Ukraine moving forward. The strong economic partnership between the private and public sectors of the two countries is critical to fostering a pro-business climate in Ukraine.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><u><strong>Remarks as Prepared for Delivery</strong></u></div>
<div align="center"> </div>
<div>Thank you, Myron, for the kind introduction and for hosting today’s events. I am very pleased to report that the first-ever U.S-Ukraine Business Forum was a resounding success. Our goals today were simple. We aimed to: highlight Ukraine’s recent progress in developing and implementing pro-business reform measures; provide the opportunity for the business community to make recommendations that will make Ukraine a more attractive location for American companies to do business; and demonstrate this Administration’s commitment to helping grow the Ukrainian economy. On all fronts, we have made significant progress.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It is clear from today’s sessions that the American business community has an invaluable role to play in helping Ukraine to build a more independent, stable, and prosperous country. To that end, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the AmCham in Ukraine, and the U.S-Ukraine Business Council are critical partners in bringing together public and private sector leaders from both of our countries. At the Department of Commerce, we have worked with these organizations – along with our colleagues at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv – to host ongoing, sector-focused dialogues. These conversations were created as a venue for the business community to offer its know-how and expertise to the Ukrainian government as it advances its reform agenda.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Today’s Forum builds on the success of those dialogues and provided an opportunity for more of these critical interactions to occur – both broadly, as outlined by Prime Minister Yatsenyuk this morning, and by diving into specific sector-focused recommendations and developing a clear path forward for the Ukrainian government and private sector to follow. Over and over today, we have heard from business leaders that they need the Ukrainian government to be more transparent and more efficient if it is going to successfully grow its economy and attract more foreign investment. And it is clear that President Poroshenko, Prime Minister Yatsenyuk, and the entire Ukrainian cabinet are committed to these goals. During four roundtable-style discussions focused on different areas of the economy, the CEOs and other executives came up with a solid list of recommendations for steps the Ukrainian government can take to further improve its business climate.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>As we heard during a discussion on agribusiness, the lack of transparency and predictability in this critical segment of Ukraine’s economy could deter much needed private sector investment and growth. For example, it is difficult for many small farmers to secure financing, because they often do not own their farms and therefore cannot use them as collateral. Investors urge the Government of Ukraine to lift restrictions on agricultural land sales and to develop a transparent privatization process for the roughly 500 state-owned agricultural enterprises. Participants stressed the importance of reducing costs and barriers to moving products from farm to export markets through infrastructure improvements.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>As we heard today, 91 percent of Ukraine’s grain cargo goes through its seaport, and 61 percent gets to its destination by rail. That is why companies repeatedly emphasized their support for the reforms underway that will deregulate the port and improve efficiency. They also suggested that Ukraine implement a timely, evenhanded, and transparent reimbursement of the Value-Added Tax refunds owed to many of the companies that have already taken risks and made significant investments in Ukraine’s farming sector. This would also benefit companies seeking to do business in Ukraine. U.S. companies also spoke about how critical it is to implement regulations that harmonize with European standards. These steps will help garner investment from new players in one of Ukraine’s most competitive sectors, as well as encourage more investments by companies already in Ukraine and well-positioned to expand rapidly.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>During the session on energy and energy efficiency, we discussed the work Ukraine must do to restore the trust of energy companies considering doing business there. The Ukrainian Government has already taken steps to address these concerns. Earlier today, Minister Jaresko announced that they will ask the Rada to decrease royalty rates for gas exploration, which will provide economic incentives to expand private gas production. In addition, it is clear that, as Ukraine begins the process of privatizing its energy companies, it must do so in a way that is both timely and transparent, with unambiguous and attractive terms for bidders. This will quickly boost investment and efficiency in this key sector.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The knowledge economy session reinforced one of the major concerns of U.S. companies across a variety of sector: greater protection of intellectual property. In order to reduce the risks of operating in the Ukrainian market, participants in that session urged the government to adopt new internet piracy legislation and improve copyright and royalty distribution. This wouldn’t just impact the knowledge economy. In the agribusiness session, for example, participants discussed how high tech solutions could help Ukraine export more food products, but many American companies are worried their innovations are not protected under the current system.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Many other issues discussed today similarly affect multiple sectors of the economy, including: reducing corruption and increasing transparency through open, unrestricted privatization of selected state-owned enterprises; and moving to a flexible exchange rate.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In these areas and more, Ukraine has already made progress in implementing pro-business reform measures. For example, the newly-created national Anticorruption Bureau sends an important signal to companies considering investing in the Ukrainian market. And the presence of so many senior government officials at this Forum is indicative of how seriously they take improving their country’s investment climate even further. Today’s event was an important step toward building on those reforms and developing trust between government officials and the business community. But if we are going to foster long-term confidence, these kinds of discussions need to happen on an ongoing basis.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We will advance the progress made today through continuation of the industry-driven sector dialogues that the Department of Commerce has convened and facilitated. Secretary Pritzker and I will continue building on these relationships. We will push for the progress that American businesses want to see – the progress that will boost confidence about investing in Ukraine’s market. To the business leaders in the audience: you have two terrific advocates in Ambassador Geoff Pyatt and Jim Lindley, our Foreign Commercial Service officer in Kyiv – both of whom are here with us today. Please keep them updated on the progress you are seeing and reach out whenever they might be of assistance to your companies. In turn, they will let you know about upcoming opportunities to contribute to this dialogue.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It is clear to all of us today that the Government of Ukraine is committed to rebuilding the bonds of trust between the government and private sector that were strained in recent years – when reforms were delayed, governments changed, and the economic promise of our commercial relationship went unfulfilled. Together, across the public and private sectors, we are taking steps towards realizing the full potential of our relationship. By addressing challenges related to transparency and efficiency and focusing on clear reforms like those outlined today, the Ukrainian economy will become even more attractive to foreign investment. Your recommendations are an important part a “road map” for economic reform. You will hear more about this in a little bit from Secretary Pritzker.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The United States believes in Ukraine’s future as a new pro-business, transparent and dynamic economy in the heart of Europe. We stand ready to be a strong partner to President Poroshenko, Prime Minister Yatsensuk, and their entire administration as they implement this “road map.” To that end, we are eager to hear from our Ukrainian colleagues. When we created this Forum, we envisioned it as a venue to not only hear directly from companies about their experiences doing business in Ukraine – but also as an opportunity for the Ukrainian Government to present their vision and progress to date in implementing their reform agenda. Thank you.</div>
<div> </div>
Tue, 14 Jul 2015 18:55:14 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/deputy-secretary-speeches/2015/07/us-deputy-commerce-secretary-bruce-andrews-delivers-remarksCommerce Department Releases New Reports Ranking Top Export Markets to Help U.S. Companies Win Globallyhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/commerce-department-releases-new-reports-ranking-top-export-markets-help
<p>U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker today released 19 new reports designed to help U.S. exporters identify their next export market by comparing opportunities across borders. As part of the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) new <a href="http://trade.gov/topmarkets?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Top Markets Series</a>, each report projects and ranks future export opportunities within a particular industry, providing in-depth commentary on key opportunities, trends, and challenges facing U.S. companies who export across the globe.</p>
<p>“The Obama administration is committed to providing exporters with the diverse, data-driven market intelligence they need to increase their competitiveness in the global marketplace,” said Secretary Pritzker. “Data is the fuel that powers the 21<sup>st</sup> century economy, driving innovation and increasing economic growth. By combining data with the specialized industry knowledge of our analysts and the on-the-ground expertise of our staff in more than 75 international markets, these <em>Top Markets Reports</em> are an important tool to help exporters more strategically deploy resources and win in overseas markets.”</p>
<p>From education exports to textiles and apparel, to aircraft parts, environmental technologies and renewable energy, the Top Markets Series collectively includes more than 200 country case studies and sector snapshots. The reports’ lead authors are members of ITA’s Industry &amp; Analysis team, which provides unique sector expertise for export promotion, trade policy, and foreign direct investment strategies that strengthen the global competitiveness of U.S. businesses. ITA will update and release new reports for the Top Markets Series annually.</p>
<p>“Our team stands ready to help American exporters consider opportunities, address challenges, and build a more successful export strategy,” said ITA’s Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis <a href="http://www.trade.gov/press/bios/jadotte.asp" target="_blank">Marcus D. Jadotte</a>. “We are confident that the data and analysis offered in the Top Markets Series will help exporters make more informed export decisions.”</p>
<p>Reports found in this year’s Top Markets Series are:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/agribusiness/eg_main_086854.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Agricultural Equipment</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/aerospace/eg_main_086851.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Aircraft Parts</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/auto/eg_main_086855.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Automotive Parts</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/architecture/eg_main_086856.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Building Products and Sustainable Construction</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/energy/eg_main_086857.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Civil Nuclear</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/infocomm/eg_main_086865.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Cloud Computing</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/food/eg_main_086863.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Cold Chain</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/education/eg_main_086867.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Education</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/environment/eg_main_086862.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Environmental Technologies</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/health/eg_main_086864.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Health IT</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/paper/eg_main_088366.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Media and Entertainment</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/energy/eg_main_086858.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Oil and Gas Equipment</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/auto/eg_main_086870.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Recreational Transportation</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/energy/eg_main_086859.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Renewable Energy</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/energy/eg_main_086860.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Renewable Fuels</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/infocomm/eg_main_086866.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Semiconductors and Related Equipment</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/energy/eg_main_086861.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Smart Grid</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/apparel/eg_main_086868.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Textiles and Apparel</a></li>
<li><a href="http://export.gov/industry/travel/eg_main_086869.asp?utm_source=combo&amp;utm_medium=other&amp;utm_campaign=topmarkets" target="_blank">Travel and Tourism</a></li>
</ul>
<p>To download a full report or view individual case studies within each report, visit <a href="http://www.trade.gov/topmarkets" target="_blank">http://www.trade.gov/topmarkets</a>.</p>
Tue, 14 Jul 2015 14:29:51 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/commerce-department-releases-new-reports-ranking-top-export-markets-helpU.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker Addresses Importance of Ukraine&#039;s Economic Reform Agenda at First-Ever U.S.-Ukraine Business Forumhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/secretary-speeches/2015/07/us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-addresses-importance-ukraines
<p>Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker addressed the first-ever U.S.-Ukraine Business Forum. The Forum consisted of a series of high-level discussions focused on advancing Ukraine’s economic reform agenda and improving trade and investment opportunities between the U.S. and Ukraine.</p>
<p>Co-hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the forum gathered high-level government and business leaders from both countries, including Vice President Joe Biden, Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Secretary Pritzker, Deputy Secretary Bruce Andrews, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donahue, Ukrainian Minister of Finance Natalie Jaresko, and Ukrainian Minister of Economy and Trade Aivaras Abromavičius.</p>
<p>During her remarks, Secretary Pritzker affirmed the Obama Administration’s commitment to Ukraine’s ambitious economic reform agenda and the importance of the private sector in improving Ukraine’s investment climate. The Secretary made clear that if Ukraine can continue to build on its recent progress and enact deep and durable economic reforms, the country can become a place where new businesses can start up and grow, and where American and global firms want to direct their capital. This forum provided an opportunity for U.S. private sector leaders to directly share recommendations that will help Ukraine’s leaders understand what conditions are needed to secure a brighter future for the Ukrainian people.</p>
<p><u><strong>Remarks as Prepared for Delivery</strong></u></p>
<p>Let me begin by thanking our co-host for today's event, Tom Donohue and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. You have been eager and reliable partners for us at the Department of Commerce. The Chamber has been a tremendous partner to the Department of Commerce both in Ukraine and in markets around the world. </p>
<p>They have invested heavily in making today's forum possible and can be a remarkably effectively ally in mobilizing the American business community to support this effort. Our Department is ready to continue deepening our partnership. </p>
<p>Prime Minister Yatsenyuk: thank you for your inspiring leadership and for traveling here today to outline your vision for the economic future of Ukraine to our American business leaders. I would also like to thank President Poroshenko, who could not join us today. During my visit to Kyiv last year, President Poroshenko and I discussed our shared vision for Ukraine’s prosperity, and his continued leadership has been critical in advancing reforms.</p>
<p>Finally, I want to recognize all the Ministers who have traveled to Washington for this forum. You have been on the front lines of Ukraine’s economic reform efforts, working in some of the most difficult of circumstances to increase prosperity for your people.</p>
<p>The President, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet are made up of extraordinary men and women who have made a deep commitment to set a positive course for Ukraine’s economy in the face of an extremely complex situation.</p>
<p>Today’s forum is, in many ways, a direct result of the Maidan. Eighteen months ago, the entire world watched as Ukrainian students and activists, workers and business leaders, took to the streets to demand a brighter, more prosperous future for their country. The Maidan was a call to action from people who had had enough. The protestors demanded an end to kleptocracy and economic stagnation. </p>
<p>They fought for the right to build an economy founded on fairness and opportunity. And they expressed a desire for closer commercial ties to Europe. These brave men and women sought to discard a past of corruption and state control of their economy in favor of a future of transparency, collective determination, and prosperity.</p>
<p>Now, Ukraine’s elected leaders are faced with the task of turning those aspirations into reality. To achieve their goals, the President, the Prime Minister, and their team must build an open and transparent marketplace. They must facilitate fair competition, founded on the rule of law. And they must draw capital from international investors and companies. These are audacious goals.</p>
<p>​The President and Prime Minister are both committed to this agenda, and they have made real progress in a short period. Since I visited Kyiv last September, the President and Prime Minister have pressed ahead with an ambitious economic reform agenda, enacting a number of measures that reflect a gradual shift towards a functioning, rules-based, market economy.</p>
<p>They made it easier to start and close a business, and reduced the number of inspections and paperwork required to run a business. They have curbed related-party lending to build a more robust financial system. They have made Ukraine’s natural gas market more competitive by committing to dismantling monopolies and allowing consumers to choose their own gas supplier. They established a supervisory board to guide the reform of state-owned enterprises and prepare them for a transparent privatization process. They adopted new electronic systems to streamline government procurement and ensure transparency in such purchases. They brought Ukraine’s criminal legislation into compliance with international standards and established a national Anticorruption Bureau to investigate high-level corruption.</p>
<p>Ukraine’s march to reform continues. Just last month, the Rada adopted a number of new economic measures, which increase incentives for the construction of renewable energy facilities; bring public procurement procedures in line with international standards; and give the public access to public meetings online and the electronic records of legislative sessions.</p>
<p>If Ukraine can continue to build on this progress and secure deep, durable economic reforms, the country can become a place where small and medium size businesses can start up and grow, with the support of venture capital.</p>
<p>The country can become a place where local governments compete to provide the best landing place for new companies. The country can become a place where university graduates find good paying jobs in agribusiness and the IT sectors. The country can become a place where a wider and deeper tax base enables them to build more hospitals, roads, and schools for the next generation.</p>
<p>This forum is an opportunity for the senior leaders of Ukraine to share their specific accomplishments to date and to explain their next steps, as well as their vision for the future of their country.</p>
<p>The President and Prime Minister are well aware that the reforms enacted thus far represent just a portion of the actions required to achieve the desired economic prosperity for the Ukrainian people. They want to hear directly from you, our U.S. corporate leaders, about the challenges your companies face in the market. They want to work with you to develop and advance a comprehensive pro-business reform agenda. And they want to build on your business success to attract new business and investment. This is not just an exercise. ​The President and Prime Minister have committed to use your feedback and ideas to help guide the next phase of their efforts.</p>
<p>The current Ukrainian government is not alone in its fight for a brighter future. The Obama Administration has delivered $2 billion in loan guarantees to protect the most vulnerable Ukrainian households from the impact of the necessary economic adjustments that come with structural reform. And we have committed nearly $16 million to fund programs focused on economic stabilization, reform, and growth.</p>
<p>​​Our efforts complement the assistance and advice from other governments and multilateral institutions, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Finance Corporation, and the World Bank. We are pleased to have their representatives here today. The financial and technical aid that the international community has provided is essential in the short term to give Ukraine the breathing room needed to transition to a durable economic profile. </p>
<p>But government assistance is not a long-term answer. Aid will never be a substitute for an equitable, transparent, and flourishing marketplace that is driven by the private sector. President Poroshenko and Prime Minister Yatsenyuk recognize that, to achieve this goal, they need to enlist both American and international business leaders as partners in reform. Their government is here today to both tell their story and to hear your views on how they can streamline their bureaucracy, create certainty, and generally improve the investment climate in Ukraine. This is your moment to be direct and honest, to help Ukraine’s leaders understand what conditions are needed to secure a brighter future for the Ukrainian people.</p>
<p>Prime Minister Yatsenyuk and his team know that Ukraine has a mountain of challenges to overcome. Yet they have taken steps in the face of tough odds to change the trajectory of their country. They want to earn your trust, your confidence, and, ultimately, your investment. We look forward to frank and fruitful discussions today.</p>
<p>Now, it is my pleasure to introduce another key American partner to the people and government of Ukraine: Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt.</p>
Tue, 14 Jul 2015 09:57:34 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/secretary-speeches/2015/07/us-commerce-secretary-penny-pritzker-addresses-importance-ukrainesU.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker Delivers Remarks at Swiss MOU Signinghttp://www.commerce.gov/news/secretary-speeches/2015/07/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-delivers-remarks-swiss-mou
<p>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks during an event commemorating the signing of a joint declaration of intent between the United States and Switzerland. This declaration will provide a framework for the two countries to cooperate in such areas as work-based training, curriculum development, credential recognition, pathways to career development, and the expansion of programs into new industry sectors. The agreement is between the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Labor, and Education and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research of the Swiss Confederation. Switzerland’s Vice President and Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann also spoke during the event.</p>
<p>During her remarks, Secretary Pritzker discussed the importance of collaboration between the U.S. and Switzerland when it comes to skills development. She highlighted President Obama and the Department of Commerce’s commitment to job-driven skills training and workforce development to drive the economy forward. She noted that the U.S. can also learn from the Swiss government’s approach to skills training, including Switzerland’s apprenticeship programs.</p>
<p>Secretary Pritzker also emphasized that the Swiss MOU Signing is an important first step, but that it is up to business and government leaders to produce tangible results. She called on Swiss businesses to provide more apprenticeships in the U.S., and invited them to participate in Manufacturing Day on October 2nd. Manufacturing Day provides students, parents, and educators the opportunity to learn about the importance of innovation and manufacturing in today’s technology-driven society. </p>
<p><u><strong>Remarks as Prepared for Delivery</strong></u></p>
<p>Thank you, Vice President Schneider-Ammann, for your leadership and for your commitment to strengthening the longstanding economic and diplomatic bonds between our two nations. I also want to recognize: Ambassador Suzi LeVine; Ambassador Martin Dahinden; Deputy Secretary Chris Lu; Deputy Assistant Secretary Mark Mitsui from the Department of Education; and all of the business leaders in this room for being here today.</p>
<p>In January, many of us met at the White House for a roundtable discussion on how to further strengthen the U.S.-Switzerland commercial relationship. Our focus at that event was on two closely linked priorities: increasing foreign direct investment, and promoting effective workforce development and apprenticeship models.</p>
<p>Switzerland is already the sixth largest source of FDI into the United States, and together, we continue to make impressive progress on increasing Swiss investment here. Just last week, my Department announced that Swiss FDI flows into the United States reached $23.5 billion in 2014 – the highest annual inflow since 2010. And in March, 30 Swiss companies attended the 2015 SelectUSA Investment Summit – one of which has already announced its decision to open a new facility in Michigan.</p>
<p>We want to help even more Swiss companies invest, build, and prosper in America. To that end, we recognize that access to a skilled workforce is a key factor for firms as they consider committing to the U.S.</p>
<p>Job-driven training and workforce development are areas ripe for collaboration between our two nations.</p>
<p>I have met with over 1,800 CEOs since becoming Commerce Secretary, and almost every one of them has said that the need for a steady supply of skilled, qualified workers to fill jobs throughout our economy is a key challenge for their companies. We cannot allow skills disparities to slow the growth of our businesses or limit the prosperity of our workers, families, and communities.</p>
<p>To address this challenge, for the first time, the Department of Commerce has made skills and workforce development a priority, and we are eager to learn from close allies like Switzerland. Bringing more of Switzerland’s experience to the United States – and exchanging best practices in workforce development – are the central goals of today’s Joint Declaration.</p>
<p>This agreement signals the United States’ desire to adopt proven best practices and will formalize our cooperation with the Swiss government on technical and career training. The commitments outlined in this agreement are critical. But it is up to all of us – business leaders in both of our countries; our Departments of Commerce, Labor, and Education; the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research of the Swiss Confederation; along with everyone in this room – to translate our declaration of intent into action and outcomes.</p>
<p>We are in the process of developing a work plan that will guide this new partnership between our nations. The work plan can also be a catalyst for attracting more companies to join our efforts.</p>
<p>I know Ambassador LeVine brought with her today representatives from many of the 18 Swiss companies who have already committed to adding registered apprenticeships in the United States. My hope is that we will see even more companies making apprenticeship commitments in the months and years to come.</p>
<p>As another part of our collective efforts to engage the private sector and train the American worker, I have a specific request for the companies here today: we would like to include all U.S.-based Swiss manufacturers in Manufacturing Day on October 2nd.</p>
<p>Manufacturing Day is a nationwide series of events offering students, their parents and teachers, and their guidance counselors nationwide the opportunity to see the innovative face of their communities’ 21st century manufacturing base up close and learn about the available pathways for jobs and careers in manufacturing. </p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Last year, a number of leading Swiss firms participated, including Hoerbiger Holding AG in Florida, a worldwide technology leader in compression, automation, and drive technology; and Max Daetwyler in North Carolina – a custom equipment builder offering precision machining, fabrication, assembly, engineering and electronic control services.</span></p>
<p>Our goals for Manufacturing Day are simple: to improve the image of manufacturing, and to attract the next generation into careers in this exciting sector of our economy. We hope the participation of Swiss companies located here in the United States will further cement our formal partnership on workforce development.</p>
<p>Now, I have the pleasure of introducing the Vice President of the Swiss Confederation, Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann. His presence here today – along with the signing of this Joint Declaration – is evidence that the U.S.-Switzerland relationship is thriving.</p>
<p>An invaluable partner to this Administration, he works closely with us to, among other things, increase the number of Swiss companies who invest, build, and prosper here in the United States. Vice President Schneider-Ammann is always looking for new ways to deepen our dynamic economic ties and to ensure that our nations remain open for business. The United States is grateful for his leadership.</p>
<p>Please join me in welcoming Vice President Schneider-Ammann.</p>
Fri, 10 Jul 2015 11:33:02 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/secretary-speeches/2015/07/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-delivers-remarks-swiss-mouCommerce Report: U.S. Metropolitan Areas Exports Reach All-Time High for Fifth Consecutive Yearhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/commerce-report-us-metropolitan-areas-exports-reach-all-time-high-fifth
<div>U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker today announced U.S. metropolitan areas in 2014 set export highs for the fifth year in a row exceeding $1.44 trillion in goods exports. According to the new Commerce report, <em>2014 Metropolitan Area Export Overview,</em> metro area exports increased $36 billion from 2013, accounting for more than 80 percent of the growth in total U.S. goods exports last year. The report findings indicate the number of metropolitan areas exporting more than $1 billion of goods across the globe reached an all-time high of 161 in 2014.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“We live in a time where it is a necessity for U.S. businesses to consider that their next customer is just as likely to come from across the globe as from across town,” said Pritzker. “As U.S. firms produce and sell their world-class products to customers around the globe, each transaction strengthens our local and national economies, and creates jobs here at home. President Obama’s trade agenda, that includes negotiating high-standard trade agreements with important global partners, will ensure opportunities for American companies to grow and expand their customer base around the world.”</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Some highlights from the report include:</div>
<ul>
<li>For a third consecutive year, the Houston metropolitan area ranked No. 1 with total exports of $119 billion.</li>
<li>New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Detroit round out the top five metropolitan areas for goods exports.</li>
<li>Twenty-nine of the top 50 metropolitan area exporters recorded positive growth in goods exports between 2013 and 2014. Twenty-six of these areas set record export levels last year.</li>
<li>Top 50-ranked metropolitan areas that exhibited high growth in exports from 2013 to 2014, included El Paso, Texas (up nearly 40 percent); San Antonio, Texas (up more than 33 percent), and Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, S.C. (up nearly 25 percent) – each reaching a record for that metro area.</li>
<li>Chicago was the largest metropolitan area exporter to Canada, shipping $16.6 billion in goods.</li>
<li>Nashville, Tenn., was one of 11 Top 50 metro areas registering double-digit export growth, shipping $9.6 billion in goods, a 10.5 percent increase from 2013.</li>
<li>Omaha, Neb., was ranked among the top 10 metropolitan area exporters to Egypt, the Philippines, and Vietnam, with 50 percent of its goods destined for Trans-Pacific Partnership markets.</li>
</ul>
<div>Current and potential free trade agreement (FTA) partners account for a large share of exports for many metropolitan areas. Markets with trade agreements in force accounted for at least 75 percent of total goods exports for 41 metropolitan areas. Markets in negotiations with the United States as part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) were top destinations for metropolitan areas in 2014, with 179 metro areas shipping at least half of their goods exports to TPP countries.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Increasing U.S. exports is a top priority for the Obama administration. The Commerce Department and the Administration are working to keep businesses competitive, the economy growing and global economic leadership intact by pushing for trade promotion legislation and free-trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>For more information on the contributions of metro areas to U.S. exports, including fact sheets for the top 50 exporting metro areas, visit<a href="http://www.trade.gov/mas/ian/metroreport/index.asp" target="_blank">http://www.trade.gov/mas/ian/metroreport/index.asp</a>.</div>
<div> </div>
Thu, 09 Jul 2015 12:28:27 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/commerce-report-us-metropolitan-areas-exports-reach-all-time-high-fifthSwiss Companies Bring Long Tradition of Apprenticeships to the U.S. – Creating Jobs, Building Skills, Sharing Prosperityhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/fact-sheets/2015/07/swiss-companies-bring-long-tradition-apprenticeships-us-creating-jobs
<p>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Switzerland’s Vice President and Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann signed a joint declaration of intent between the United States and Switzerland. This declaration will provide a framework for the two countries to cooperate in such areas as work-based training, curriculum development, credential recognition, pathways to career development, and the expansion of programs into new industry sectors. The agreement is between the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Labor, and Education and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research of the Swiss Confederation.</p>
<p>This signing with Switzerland comes about one month after a similar signing with Germany on the topics of apprenticeships and career and technical education. These bilateral agreements demonstrate the importance that the Obama Administration has placed on expanding apprenticeship opportunities in the United States – as we work toward the goal of doubling apprenticeships in the coming years.</p>
<p>In conjunction with the signing, a number of Swiss companies announced plans to expand or create new apprenticeship programs in the United States. Many of these firms will partner with local community colleges in the U.S. to provide the classroom portion of the apprenticeships.</p>
<p>These commitments were made by major companies such as:</p>
<p><strong>Nestlé</strong>, an international food and beverage manufacturer headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland with U.S. headquarters in Glendale, California, has committed to formalizing and accelerating their existing U.S. apprenticeship program.</p>
<ul>
<li>With 25 manufacturing facilities in the United States alone, Nestlé will widen the program’s impact in as many Nestlé facilities as possible. As part of this effort, Nestlé has agreed to work with the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education to implement a series of innovative workforce development pilot programs in select Nestlé facilities, which will support Nestlé’s commitment to become an <a href="http://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship">ApprenticeshipUSA</a> LEADER. The LEADER program is a business to business campaign to share best practices and promote the use of Apprenticeships in the United States. It is anticipated that this Nestlé commitment will involve between 120 and 250 apprentices by 2016.</li>
</ul>
<p>With U.S. headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois, the <strong>Zurich Insurance Group</strong> (Zurich) provides property, liability, automobile, umbrella and workers’ compensation policies to the construction, financial, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, and technology sectors.</p>
<ul>
<li>At the <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/fact-sheets/2015/01/fact-sheet-white-house-swiss-foreign-direct-investment-united-states">January 2015 Swiss Investment Roundtable</a> at the White House, Zurich committed to explore a U.S. apprenticeship program for its facilities in the United States, particularly in skilled positions such as underwriting assistants and claims assistants. As part of that commitment, Zurich will explore a professional skills-development partnership with learning institutions and other businesses in the insurance industry. Since the White House conference, Zurich has been in consultation with Harper College, located in suburban Chicago, to explore the establishment of a workforce development program in coordination with other local insurance companies. Zurich has also signed on with the Department of Labor as an ApprenticeshipUSA LEADER.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Bühler Management Group</strong>, with a U.S. headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, produces technology for plant and equipment and related services related to basic foods and advanced materials manufacturing. Bühler’s U.S. apprenticeship program is modeled after its apprenticeship academy in Switzerland, and runs active apprenticeship programs in Michigan, North Carolina, and Minnesota.</p>
<ul>
<li>Bühler’s Minnesota site currently trains 15 apprentices who also attend classes at nearby Dunwoody College of Technology (DCT). Apprentices also regularly visit customer sites for on-the-job training. The program’s first five apprentices will graduate in Minnesota in 2015, where they will receive a journey worker card from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Bühler is also currently working on accrediting its program with a Technical Associates Degree.</li>
<li>In Michigan, Bühler employs 12 apprentices, four of which are enrolled in the machining program and eight in the machine building program. Both are four-year programs, after which apprentices receive a journey worker card from the Department of Labor and Industry.</li>
<li>In North Carolina, Bühler is currently training three apprentices in the four-year North Carolina Triangle Apprentice Program, which focuses on welding and construction. Apprentices receive a journey worker card from the Department of Labor and Industry and an Associate Degree in mechanical engineering technology upon successful completion of the program.</li>
<li>In 2015, Bühler is expanding its apprenticeship program in engineering and automation, including the development of a mechatronic specialist program, which aims to be part of the State-wide program for developing automation talent.</li>
</ul>
<p>With U.S. headquarters in Huntersville, NC, <strong>Max Daetwyler Group</strong> is a worldwide leading supplier of precision machinery, offering single-source manufacturing capabilities with a focus on serving the needs of the health care, automotive, civil engineering, consumer goods, and the manufacturing industries.</p>
<ul>
<li>Daetwyler has been running a Swiss-style apprenticeship program in the United States since 1995, providing training in various technical trades, including mechatronics, tool and die, and CNC machining. Upon graduation, students earn an AAS degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology and are awarded a Journeyman's Certificate by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The company also works with Central Piedmont Community College, which awards apprentices an Associate Degree in Mechatronics at the completion of their training. Daetwyler has agreed to be an ApprenticeshipUSA LEADER.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Below is the full list of Swiss firms that have committed to continuing, expanding or implementing apprenticeship programs in the United States.</strong></p>
<p><em><strong>Committed to new apprenticeship programs in the United States</strong></em></p>
<ul>
<li>ABB Ltd.</li>
<li>Alevo Group</li>
<li>Burkhardt Compression</li>
<li>Firmenich AG</li>
<li>Givaudan Group</li>
<li>Holcim Ltd.</li>
<li>Mercuria Energy</li>
<li>Mikron Group</li>
<li>Schindler Holding</li>
<li>Wicor Group (Weidmann International Corporation)</li>
</ul>
<p><em><strong>Committed to expansion of their existing or already announced apprenticeship program in the United States</strong></em></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Bühler Group</em></li>
<li><em>Daetwyler Group</em></li>
<li><em>Feintool International Holding AG</em></li>
<li><em>Kudelski Group</em></li>
<li><em>Nestlé Group</em></li>
<li><em>Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.</em></li>
<li><em>SFS Group AG</em></li>
<li><em>Zurich Insurance Group</em></li>
</ul>
Thu, 09 Jul 2015 11:48:17 -0400mkruger@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/fact-sheets/2015/07/swiss-companies-bring-long-tradition-apprenticeships-us-creating-jobsU.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker Announces Designation of 12 New Manufacturing Communities Under the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership Programhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-announces-designation-12-new
<p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced 12 new communities that have received designations under the Obama Administration’s Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP) initiative. She announced the designees during <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/secretary-speeches/2015/07/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-delivers-remarks-us">remarks at the U.S. Manufacturing Summit</a> at Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, AR.</p>
<p>In May 2014, Secretary Pritzker announced the <a href="http://www.eda.gov/news/press-releases/2014/05/28/imcp.htm">first 12 communities</a> to receive the designation under this U.S. Commerce Department-led program, which is designed to accelerate the resurgence of manufacturing in communities nationwide by supporting the development of long-term economic development strategies.</p>
<p>“An IMCP designation is an important signal to potential investors that these communities are a good place to spend their money, and this is smart government at work," said Secretary Pritzker. “By breaking down silos and encouraging communities to take a more thoughtful, comprehensive approach to their strategic plans, we are ensuring that precious federal dollars are used on the most high impact projects and in a way that maximizes return on investment.”</p>
<p>From the communities that applied this round, 12 were selected by an interagency panel, based on the strength of their economic development plans, the potential for impact in their communities, and the depths of their partnerships across the public and private sectors to carry out their plans. As demonstrated by this year's designees, leaders from the private sector, local government, higher education, local economic development organizations, and other nonprofits worked together to identify a sector of manufacturing where their community has a comparative advantage and drafted a strategic plan that addresses: workforce and supply chain challenges; infrastructure; research and innovation; trade and investment; capital access; and operational improvement for manufacturing companies.</p>
<p>The 12 Manufacturing Communities announced today include:</p>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/files/2nd-round/IMCP-2-Pager-Handout-Pittsburgh.pdf">The Greater Pittsburgh Metals Manufacturing Community</a> led by Catalyst Connection in Pittsburgh, PA.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/files/2nd-round/IMCP-2-Pager-Handout-Alamo.pdf">The Alamo Manufacturing Partnership</a>, led by the University of Texas at San Antonio in the San Antonio, TX metro area.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/files/2nd-round/IMCP-2-Pager-Handout-Louisiana.pdf">The Louisiana Chemical Corridor</a> led by Louisiana State University, stretching from New Orleans, LA to Baton Rouge, LA.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/files/2nd-round/IMCP-2-Pager-Handout-Madison.pdf">The Madison Regional Economic Partnership (MadREP)</a> in the Madison, WI region.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/files/2nd-round/IMCP-2-Pager-Handout-Memphis.pdf">The Made in the Mid-South Manufacturing Alliance</a> led by the Greater Memphis Chamber spanning five counties in surrounding Memphis, TN.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/files/2nd-round/IMCP-2-Pager-Handout-Peoria.pdf">The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council</a> leading a five county region in central Illinois.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/files/2nd-round/IMCP-2-Pager-Handout-Minnesota.pdf">The Minnesota Medical Manufacturing Partnership</a> led by GREATER MSP in Minneapolis, MN.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/files/2nd-round/IMCP-2-Pager-Handout-South-Central-Idaho.pdf">The South Central Idaho Region</a> led by the Region IV Development Association in Twin Falls, ID.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/files/2nd-round/IMCP-2-Pager-Handout-Utah.pdf">The Utah Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Initiative</a> led by the University of Utah in the Wasatch Front region.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/files/2nd-round/IMCP-2-Pager-Handout-Pacific-Northwest.pdf">The Pacific Northwest Partnership Region</a>, led by Business Oregon in Oregon and Southwest Washington.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/files/2nd-round/IMCP-2-Pager-Handout-Connecticut.pdf">The Connecticut Advanced Manufacturing Communities Region</a>, an eight county area centered on Hartford, Connecticut, is led by the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/files/2nd-round/IMCP-2-Pager-Handout-California.pdf">The Central Valley AgPlus Food and Beverage Manufacturing Consortium</a> led by California State University in Fresno.</li>
</ol>
<p>The 12 designated Manufacturing Communities will receive coordinated support for their strategies from the following eleven federal agencies with more than $1 billion available in federal economic development assistance:</p>
<ul>
<li>Appalachian Regional Commission</li>
<li>Delta Regional Authority</li>
<li>Environmental Protection Agency</li>
<li>National Science Foundation</li>
<li>Small Business Administration</li>
<li>U.S. Department of Agriculture</li>
<li>U.S. Department of Commerce</li>
<li>U.S. Department of Defense</li>
<li>U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development</li>
<li>U.S. Department of Labor</li>
<li>U.S. Department of Transportation</li>
</ul>
<p>These communities will receive a dedicated federal liaison at each of these agencies who will help them navigate available federal resources. They will also be recognized on a government website, accessible to prospective private foreign and domestic investors, looking for information on communities’ competitive attributes.</p>
<p>For more information on IMCP, please visit: <a href="http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/">http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/index.htm</a>.</p>
Wed, 08 Jul 2015 13:05:27 -0400ktyler@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-announces-designation-12-newU.S. Secretary Of Commerce Penny Pritzker Delivers Remarks At U.S. Manufacturing Summithttp://www.commerce.gov/news/secretary-speeches/2015/07/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-delivers-remarks-us
<p>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks to more than 1,800 Walmart executives, potential suppliers, and state economic development organizations at the U.S. Manufacturing Summit in Bentonville, AR. The U.S. Manufacturing Summit brings together existing and potential Walmart suppliers to meet with buyers and also convenes meetings between state economic development leaders and companies that have expressed interest in moving to available U.S. manufacturing locations. This was Secretary Pritzker’s second time addressing Walmart’s Manufacturing Summit, as well as the third year that Walmart hosted the event, demonstrating the company’s commitment to Made in America products and suppliers.</p>
<p>During her remarks, Secretary Pritzker highlighted the Department of Commerce’s work to connect manufacturers with U.S. communities with tools including the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI), Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), and Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP).</p>
<p>Secretary Pritzker also announced a new round of IMCP designees. IMCP is an initiative designed to revolutionize the way federal agencies leverage economic development funds. It encourages communities to develop comprehensive economic development strategies that will strengthen their competitive edge for attracting global manufacturer and supply chain investments. Additionally, Secretary Pritzker emphasized the importance of Manufacturing Day, a series of events across the country is designed to excite young people about the potential of a career in manufacturing. This year’s Manufacturing Day will take place on October 2<sup>nd</sup>. </p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><strong><em>Remarks as Prepared for Delivery</em></strong></p>
<p>Thank you. It is an honor to share this stage today with Governor Hutchinson. I also want to thank Greg Foran and Walmart for hosting this event. From raising the minimum wage for your employees to your commitment to sustainability, Walmart has led the way on policy changes that benefit the American worker, our environment, and our economy. Walmart also understands the importance of the manufacturing sector to the health of our nation’s economy. Your decision two years ago to buy an additional $250 billion in Made in America goods is another example of a smart business decision that is strengthening our communities.</p>
<p>Like many of you in this room, America’s manufacturers are creating good jobs, supporting successful careers, spurring innovation, and sustaining economic growth. Since his first inauguration, this iconic part of our economy has been a top priority for President Obama and this Administration. We have been laser-focused on creating the conditions for companies like yours to grow, and our collective work is paying dividends. Wouldn’t you agree? Manufacturing is growing at its fastest rate in decades. Today, this sector supports an estimated 17.6 million jobs in the United States—about one in six private-sector jobs.Manufacturers in the United States are driving innovation. This industry is responsible for more than three-quarters of all private-sector R&amp;D.</p>
<p>At the Department of Commerce, we work every day to connect manufacturers with the resources they need to succeed and thrive. As someone who spent 27 years in the private sector and knows how challenging it can be to work with the federal government, I am focused on smart government programs that work for YOU. Today, I would like to highlight three specific initiatives: the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Manufacturing Day, and the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership.</p>
<p>Located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the Commerce-led Manufacturing Extension Partnership is a national network with hundreds of specialists who understand the needs of America's small manufacturers. Our experts can connect you with the resources and services you may need to become more competitive, meet a new market challenge, improve your production processes, adopt a new technology, or take a new good to market. For every dollar of federal investment, MEP clients generate nearly $19 in new sales. This is an exciting example of smart and effective government working specifically on behalf of America’s businesses.</p>
<p>We are making a real difference for firms like Toner Plastics, who saw a business opportunity with Walmart and worked with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. In 2013, Walmart challenged the small manufacturer to design and produce in just eight weeks a new, American-made version of its “Rainbow Loom” toy. Toner Plastics reached out to its local MEP Center, who helped the company manage its redesign process; develop speedier production of the updated toy; and revise the licensing agreement with the original inventor. With the support of our experts, Toner Plastics was able to deliver a refined product meeting Walmart’s needs both on-time and at the designated price point. If your company needs assistance breaking down barriers and growing your business, I strongly encourage you to visit the Department of Commerce booth here at the Summit, who can connect you to the experts at your local center.</p>
<p>Another smart government program created by the Department of Commerce and this Administration is Manufacturing Day – a series of events across the country is designed to excite young people about the potential of a career in manufacturing. Too many people view manufacturers as outdated factories filled with line jobs – not as innovative, inventive businesses, where workers develop and use the latest technology and build lasting, middle class careers. We are changing this perception by inviting students, career guidance counselors, parents, and workers to open houses, public tours, and career workshops at plants and factories across the country. Thanks to the assistance and participation of many of you, last year’s Manufacturing Day brought 400,000 Americans to over 1,600 events. These efforts are making a difference. In New Hampshire, 88 percent of students said they were more likely to consider manufacturing jobs after their visits to local factories and in Florida, 95 percent of student participants said they learned something new about the sector. This year, we have set our sights higher. On October 2<sup>nd</sup>, we want to hold more than 2,000 events across all 50 states – but to reach this audacious goal, we ask for your help. We need you to open the doors at one of your facilities and host an event. Please sign up at mfgday.com, where there are resources and toolkits to help you develop and shape your event.</p>
<p>The Department of Commerce is also supporting the Make It in America renaissance through the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership. This program – run by the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration – encourages regional collaboration to create comprehensive plans aimed at drawing inbound investment.</p>
<p>Here is how it works: Leaders from the private sector, local government, higher education, local economic development organizations, and other nonprofits work together to identify a sector of manufacturing where their community has a comparative advantage and draft a strategic plan that addresses: workforce and supply chain challenges; infrastructure; research and innovation; trade and investment; capital access; and operational improvement for manufacturing companies.</p>
<p>After selecting the best plans, the Department of Commerce supports their implementation by coordinating federal aid from 11 different agencies and providing the community with a dedicated counselor to navigate federal services. An IMCP designation is an important signal to potential investors that these communities are a good place to spend their money. And this is smart government at work. By breaking down silos and encouraging communities to take a more thoughtful, comprehensive approach to their strategic plans, we are ensuring that precious federal dollars are used on the most high impact projects and in a way that maximizes return on investment.</p>
<p>In 2014, we announced the first 12 communities to receive the IMCP designation. While we are barely a year into the process, we are already seeing results. For example, the Southwestern Ohio Aerospace Region has secured nearly $20 million in federal investment since receiving its IMCP designation. They have already created more than 2,500 new jobs and attracted new private sector commitments totaling $529 million in the region’s manufacturing base. Today, I have the pleasure of announcing that we have selected 12 new communities to receive the federal IMCP designation. These communities will be able to better respond to industry needs by building robust industrial ecosystems and strengthening their manufacturing clusters.</p>
<p>Among this group is the Madison Regional Economic Partnership in Wisconsin, who put together an ambitious strategy aimed at taking advantage of the growing trend toward “local foods.” The community plans to expand the Wisconsin Innovation Kitchen, upgrade an existing kitchen incubator, build a Madison public market, and construct a training center and trucking logistics center. The other new designees are located across the country and span from a Louisiana State University-led consortium on chemical manufacturing to a partnership in the Pacific Northwest on wood products. I look forward to seeing how these communities grow as a result of their IMCP designation.</p>
<p>From coast to coast, America’s manufacturers are the backbone of our economy, and our country’s prosperity is closely linked to your success. Through smart programs like IMCP, Manufacturing Day, and more, the Department of Commerce is committed to being your partners as this vital sector of economy continues its remarkable resurgence. Working together, we can ensure America’s manufacturers remain at the center of our nation’s prosperity and keep America open for your businesses. Thank you.</p>
Wed, 08 Jul 2015 10:43:46 -0400mkruger@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/secretary-speeches/2015/07/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-delivers-remarks-usOp-Ed: Bringing New Trade Agreements to Lifehttp://www.commerce.gov/news/opinion-editorials/2015/07/op-ed-bringing-new-trade-agreements-life
<p>Increasing U.S. exports is a top priority for President Obama and our entire Administration. With our support, America’s private sector made 2014 a fifth consecutive record year for exports, selling $2.34 trillion of goods and services to overseas markets. <strong>Exports also supported 11.7 million private sector jobs </strong>in 2014, an all-time high.</p>
<p>These achievements are no accident. They are the product of the hard work, perseverance, and commitment of the 300,000 U.S. businesses who understand that the markets for American products are no longer just around the corner, but across the globe. For example, by 2030, the Asia-Pacific region will be home to 3.2 billion middle class consumers.</p>
<p>No smart business owner would ignore such a massive potential customer base. The Obama Administration and the Department of Commerce want to ensure American companies can take advantage of these tremendous market opportunities.</p>
<p>One way to keep our businesses competitive, our economy growing, and our global economic leadership intact is through new, high-standard free trade agreements, like the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/economy/trade" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><strong>Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).</strong></a></p>
<p>This agreement will secure fair access to the Asia-Pacific – the fastest-growing consumer base in the world – while raising standards on labor, environmental protection, intellectual property rights, and more. TPP will be the most progressive trade agreement in history and will strengthen the competitiveness of our businesses and our workers.</p>
<p>This deal will give American firms a leg up in the fiercely competitive global economy. The recently passed <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/06/12/statement-president" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trade Promotion Authority legislation</a> outlines congressional priorities for the Administration to follow on new trade agreements like the TPP. The passage of trade promotion legislation is critical to the completion and implementation of deals that will strengthen our economy, level the playing field for our businesses and workers, and promote American competitiveness around the world.</p>
<p>However, trade promotion authority is just the beginning. Once negotiations on new trade deals are completed, <strong>our job is to bring the TPP and other new agreements to life.</strong></p>
<p>To that end, we have more than 100 <a href="http://www.export.gov/eac/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><strong>U.S. Export Assistance Centers</strong></a> across the country ready to help American businesses with every step of the export process. Our staff can introduce firms to overseas buyers and distributors, as well as provide them with counseling and advocacy.</p>
<p>We also now have more than 170 <strong><a href="http://www.trade.gov/cs/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">foreign commercial service professionals</a> </strong>located in the 11 TPP partner countries ready to provide American companies with on-the-ground assistance as they seek to successfully navigate exporting into new markets.</p>
<p>Since I took office, the Department of Commerce has led 11 trade missions to the TPP region. Personally, I have traveled to Japan, Vietnam, Mexico, Canada, Singapore, and Malaysia as Secretary of Commerce.</p>
<p>As part of our continued commitment to making trade and investment a bigger part of the DNA of U.S. businesses, we, at the Department of Commerce, will <strong>upgrade available market research </strong>on TPP countries. </p>
<p>We will<strong> enhance our industry-specific expertise</strong> to ensure companies have the data they need to compete.</p>
<p>We will <strong>improve existing tools</strong> and <strong>develop new applications</strong> so that businesses can plan ahead and incorporate the TPP into their export strategy.</p>
<p>And we will <strong>increase opportunities</strong> for U.S. companies to engage potential buyers and partners in the TPP markets at trade shows and other events.</p>
<p>In addition, one of our most important responsibilities at the Commerce Department is <strong>enforcing trade rules</strong>.</p>
<p>Our team systematically monitors, investigates, and ensures foreign governments’ compliance with more than 250 trade agreements to which the United States is a party. We work with exporters of all sizes to overcome barriers caused by foreign government policies that violate trade agreement obligations.</p>
<p>Working together with America’s vibrant private sector, I am confident we can keep America <strong>open for more growth</strong>, <strong>open for more progress</strong>, and <strong>open for more business.</strong></p>
Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:29:22 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/opinion-editorials/2015/07/op-ed-bringing-new-trade-agreements-lifeU.S. Departments of Commerce, State, and Transportation Announce Deadlines and Stakeholder Engagement Process Update on Gulf Carrier Subsidy Claimshttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/us-departments-commerce-state-and-transportation-announce-deadlines-and
<p>The U.S. Departments of Commerce, State, and Transportation announced an open forum on April 10, 2015, and issued a <em>Federal Register</em> notice on May 5, 2015 (80 FR 25671), soliciting information and views on assertions that three foreign airlines – Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways – have received and are benefitting from subsidies from their respective governments that are distorting the global aviation market. A forthcoming supplemental Federal Register notice published by the Departments announces the establishment of deadlines for the submission of such information and views to the public dockets and provides additional guidance for the submission of confidential information.</p>
<p>As reflected in the supplemental Federal Register notice, the Departments request that information be submitted to the dockets by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August 3. The Departments further request that any additional materials commenting on information submitted to the dockets be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on August 24. The Departments may establish additional deadlines at their discretion.</p>
<p>To ensure that their views are considered, stakeholders should provide a written submission to the Departments. Comments may be submitted electronically through the Federal Rulemaking Portal at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>, and submitters may submit comments in any or all of the following three dockets:</p>
<ul>
<li>DOT-OST-2015-0082</li>
<li>DOS-2015-0016</li>
<li>DOC-2015-0001</li>
</ul>
<p>As noted when the dockets were established, docket materials are not edited to remove identifying or any other contact information and the Departments caution against including any information in an electronic submission that the submitter does not want publicly disclosed.</p>
<p>The supplemental Federal Register notice also sets forth updated guidance with respect to information that a submitter believes is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (“Confidential Information”), such as trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person that is privileged and confidential.</p>
<p>Any submissions containing Confidential Information must be delivered to each of the three Departments in the following manner:</p>
<ul>
<li>Deliver the submission in a sealed envelope marked “confidential treatment requested”;</li>
<li>Provide an index listing the document(s) or information that the submitter would like the Departments to withhold. The index should include information such as numbers used to identify the relevant document(s) or information, document title and description, and relevant pages numbers and/or section numbers within a document; and</li>
<li>Provide a statement explaining the submitter’s grounds for objecting to disclosure of the information to the public.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Departments also request that submitters of Confidential Information, including those who have previously submitted Confidential Information, include a non-confidential version (either redacted or summarized) of those confidential submissions in the public dockets. In the event that the submitter cannot provide a non-confidential version of its submission, the Departments request that the submitter post a notice in the dockets stating that it has provided the Departments with Confidential Information. Should a submitter fail to docket either a non-confidential version of its submission or to post a notice that Confidential Information has been provided, the Departments will note the receipt of the submission on the dockets, including for submissions already received, with the submitter’s organization or name (to the degree permitted by law) and the date of submission.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=DOC-2015-0001-0398">Read the Frequently Asked Questions</a>.</p>
Wed, 01 Jul 2015 15:59:52 -0400mkruger@doc.govhttp://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/us-departments-commerce-state-and-transportation-announce-deadlines-and